reference links, papers, books, etc.
This page is a collection of documents, videos, books, posts, and more we've referenced while learning about DID, plurality, and exploring our system.
We don't agree with every word here or find that all experiences resonate, but we think these resources are worth reading. If you spot something genuinely harmful or abusive, please let us know so we can remove it.
getting started #
Frequently Asked Questions (dissociative.cafe)
bunch of questions from the perspective of both allies and plural folks.
Dissociative Dictionary (dissociative.cafe)
Community sourced definitions for a ton of language used to describe plurality.
clinical documentation #
DSM-V Diagnostic Criteria for DID (traumadissociation.com)
Clinically-focused overview of the DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria for DID, with detailed explanations of distinct personality states and amnesia requirements.
Clinical Evidence for DID and Complex Trauma (did-research.org)
Neuroimaging research shows that trauma-oriented and life-oriented identity states in DID show distinctly different neural activation patterns.
relationships #
On Dating My Partners (dreamwidth.org)
A long personal essay by the partner of a plural system, covering how they navigated their partner's system discovery and built individual relationships with multiple system members. It's also full of practical advice for singlets dating plural folks.
For Those In The Life Of Someone With DID (dissociative.cafe)
Great article for friends/family of a system. Discusses how to ask who is fronting, and handle not talking to who you expect.
history + community #
Quick'n'Dirty Plural History (dreamwidth.org)
Incredible writeup by LB Lee of the history of plural folks and our attempts to organize and understand ourselves. Also available as a talk on YouTube.
books #
The Dissociative Identity Disorder Sourcebook by Deborah Bray Haddock
A comprehensive guide to understanding and treating dissociative identity disorder, serving as a bridge for communication between individuals with DID and their therapists, family, and friends.
Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation by Suzette Boon, Kathy Steele, Onno van der Hart
A patient-oriented manual for complex trauma survivors, providing training and skills for those with trauma-related dissociative disorders.
Dissociation Made Simple by Jamie Marich
A practical, stigma-free approach to understanding and working with dissociative experiences in daily life.
Dear Little Ones by Jade Miller
A compassionate guide focused on hope, help, and healing for inner child work and younger parts of the self.
The Haunted Self by Onno van der Hart, Ellert R. S. Nijenhuis, and Kathy Steele
A comprehensive clinical text exploring structural dissociation theory and evidence-based treatment approaches for chronic traumatization.